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veggiestrawenjoyer13's reviews
31 reviews
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The premise of this book hooked me immediately, and it did not disappoint. It’s a unique twist on the zombie apocalypse genre, which I enjoy quite a bit. There’s nothing very negative to say about it, really. The pacing was on the slower side, but that didn’t bother me and it fit with the storyline in my opinion.
The worldbuilding is one of this book’s strongest points. It was laid out clearly in the beginning and built upon as I kept reading. Everything was easy to understand, and felt logical for the story. I also enjoyed the characters. I haven’t read a lot of lovers-rivals-lovers, but it’s definitely a dynamic I enjoyed. The characters, both the main and side, were likable and fleshed out enough to gain an understanding of their actions.
The writing style was also wonderful. I loved the descriptions the author provided. It was intense when needed. The dialogue could be corny at times- but they are teenagers. I didn’t cringe at the modern media references like I often do. It didn’t seem like bad writing, just age-accurate for them.
This is definitely a book I would recommend. It’s authentic and a very interesting read. I’d love another story set in this world. Following Vivian’s group maybe? Either way, I fell in love with the characters and the setting.
The worldbuilding is one of this book’s strongest points. It was laid out clearly in the beginning and built upon as I kept reading. Everything was easy to understand, and felt logical for the story. I also enjoyed the characters. I haven’t read a lot of lovers-rivals-lovers, but it’s definitely a dynamic I enjoyed. The characters, both the main and side, were likable and fleshed out enough to gain an understanding of their actions.
The writing style was also wonderful. I loved the descriptions the author provided. It was intense when needed. The dialogue could be corny at times- but they are teenagers. I didn’t cringe at the modern media references like I often do. It didn’t seem like bad writing, just age-accurate for them.
This is definitely a book I would recommend. It’s authentic and a very interesting read. I’d love another story set in this world. Following Vivian’s group maybe? Either way, I fell in love with the characters and the setting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Minor: Vomit and Fire/Fire injury
The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was a good book, it just didn’t hook me as I had hoped. I feel like it was very close to being a new favorite, but somehow fell short. This is not entirely the book’s fault, I read it very sporadically and forgot important things that made it slightly more difficult to understand.
The best thing to improve this book would’ve been a map. I’m a very visual person, and it would’ve made it so much easier for me to understand the political conflicts and such. It’s a small addition, but one that would have improved the experience for me.
The author did a great job at characterization. Even when I wasn’t fully invested in the story, I fell in love with the characters and their dynamics. I really enjoyed the dialogue and intersections between characters. They felt realistic and relatable, despite their obviously unrelatable circumstances. I’m also a big fan of how the romance was done. It was important and enjoyable, but not the complete center of the book/plot. Ranka made non-romantic connections that added a lot of depth to her character along with the others. The development of the romance also felt realistic, and didn’t move too quick like in some books.
My biggest gripe with the writing was the repetition. Sometimes it was powerful and meaningful, but other times it bogged down the story. Repetition can be good, and it was at some points, but too often it just felt like lazy writing. I still liked the writing style, and the plot was well done. Hints were sprinkled about, yet I never would’ve guessed the plot twists that happened. I liked the shock factor of them, and it didn’t feel overdone either.
Overall, I wish I liked the book more. I liked the characters and mystery, but I just didn’t connect as much as I had hoped. I would definitely recommend, if it sounds like something you’d like!
The best thing to improve this book would’ve been a map. I’m a very visual person, and it would’ve made it so much easier for me to understand the political conflicts and such. It’s a small addition, but one that would have improved the experience for me.
The author did a great job at characterization. Even when I wasn’t fully invested in the story, I fell in love with the characters and their dynamics. I really enjoyed the dialogue and intersections between characters. They felt realistic and relatable, despite their obviously unrelatable circumstances. I’m also a big fan of how the romance was done. It was important and enjoyable, but not the complete center of the book/plot. Ranka made non-romantic connections that added a lot of depth to her character along with the others. The development of the romance also felt realistic, and didn’t move too quick like in some books.
My biggest gripe with the writing was the repetition. Sometimes it was powerful and meaningful, but other times it bogged down the story. Repetition can be good, and it was at some points, but too often it just felt like lazy writing. I still liked the writing style, and the plot was well done. Hints were sprinkled about, yet I never would’ve guessed the plot twists that happened. I liked the shock factor of them, and it didn’t feel overdone either.
Overall, I wish I liked the book more. I liked the characters and mystery, but I just didn’t connect as much as I had hoped. I would definitely recommend, if it sounds like something you’d like!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Blood, and Abandonment
Minor: Child death
The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The concept of the book is really interesting, I was excited to read it. It had decent reviews, too. However, it fell short big time.
The beginning, and really most of the book, is extremely slow. This isn’t always a bad time, but it felt like nothing happened until the last quarter of the book. Once I hit the point where Yat died (the big plot moment), it got better. The middle made more sense, despite how slow it was. I never felt attached to the characters, I had absolutely no emotional connected. This really stunted it for me, because I couldn’t care less about what happens to them.
The writing is very good at some points, but is mostly confusing. This book could really use a map of the world and a glossary of terms/places. I had no idea what was going on most of the time, and not because of the New Zealand dialect. I simply could not grasp the importance of any places or organizations.
The biggest problem I had with the book was that the plot progressed so sporadically. The last quarter of the book springs so much lore and answers on the reader that it’s difficult to pick up. Also, it felt like it came out of nowhere. This story could have worked well with informations sprinkled throughout, but that didn’t happen.
I pretty much only finished the book so I could read something else. I enjoyed the plot twist at the end and it was extremely surprising, but that doesn’t make the book good. I’m happy for those who enjoyed it, but this wasn’t for me. I won’t be reading the second book, unfortunately.
The beginning, and really most of the book, is extremely slow. This isn’t always a bad time, but it felt like nothing happened until the last quarter of the book. Once I hit the point where Yat died (the big plot moment), it got better. The middle made more sense, despite how slow it was. I never felt attached to the characters, I had absolutely no emotional connected. This really stunted it for me, because I couldn’t care less about what happens to them.
The writing is very good at some points, but is mostly confusing. This book could really use a map of the world and a glossary of terms/places. I had no idea what was going on most of the time, and not because of the New Zealand dialect. I simply could not grasp the importance of any places or organizations.
The biggest problem I had with the book was that the plot progressed so sporadically. The last quarter of the book springs so much lore and answers on the reader that it’s difficult to pick up. Also, it felt like it came out of nowhere. This story could have worked well with informations sprinkled throughout, but that didn’t happen.
I pretty much only finished the book so I could read something else. I enjoyed the plot twist at the end and it was extremely surprising, but that doesn’t make the book good. I’m happy for those who enjoyed it, but this wasn’t for me. I won’t be reading the second book, unfortunately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Violence, and Death of parent
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
My issue with reading is that I expect every book to be a masterpiece, like the select few I’ve read. This book was pretty good, it just didn’t live up to my standards.
The writing style was good and the author did a great job at invoking emotions. I quickly became attached to the characters, and I feel they had a lot of personality. Though I will say, the romances did feel slightly forced and moved quickly for the characters (in my opinion.) Despite this, I did enjoy the couples together, so I can overlook the lack in development for them.
Overall, it was a good book. Some plot twists were expected, but I think the more important ones caught me so off-guard. I was pleasantly shocked at the end, and I’m looking forward to reading the second book.
The writing style was good and the author did a great job at invoking emotions. I quickly became attached to the characters, and I feel they had a lot of personality. Though I will say, the romances did feel slightly forced and moved quickly for the characters (in my opinion.) Despite this, I did enjoy the couples together, so I can overlook the lack in development for them.
Overall, it was a good book. Some plot twists were expected, but I think the more important ones caught me so off-guard. I was pleasantly shocked at the end, and I’m looking forward to reading the second book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: War and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Alcohol
The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It’s been a hot minute since I read the first book, so maybe my judgement is slightly clouded. I still enjoyed the characters a lot, yet I never developed a strong emotional connection with them. During this book, I felt like they already went through the necessary character development. I found the writing to be repetitive at times, occasionally in a beautiful way but often in an annoying way. The pacing was extremely fast compared to the first book, to the point where it felt very rushed. I think a lot of aspects should’ve been alluded to in the first book, it felt like a lot of things were added just to create more plot twists. I was surprised a few times, which was nice. Though the end felt wrapped up too nicely for all the characters went through. I remember liking the first book much more, though this isn’t the worst sequel I’ve ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is my second time reading it, and while it doesn’t have the same impact knowing what’s going to happen, I remember how I felt the first time. It’s a beautifully heartbreaking and emotional story. I feel so connected with and empathetic towards the two main characters, Miriam and Laila. The writing is perfect for this subject matter and had such an emotional impact for me. I love this book, this story, and these characters. It’s heartbreaking to know this is the reality for many women in our world today.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexism, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicide and Abandonment
The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After by Clemantine Wamariya
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
I had to read this for school so it’s definitely not something I’d normally pick up. I enjoyed reading it and I became more interested in the author, but it’s just not my normal cup of tea. The author is extraordinary with her words and descriptions, her writing really immerses you into the story she’s telling. Pretty good overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a nostalgia read for me. I was absolutely obsessed in middle school, and I’ve read it so many times. It’s definitely targetted to middle schoolers, but that’s alright. It was still fun to relive a story that used to be so important to me. My honest review would probably be more like 3.5, but the nostalgia has made me rate it higher. The ending felt quite rushed, I would love a sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Misrule by Heather Walter
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
For the first time ever, I actually liked the sequel better than the first book. Some of the first book continued into this one, like the somewhat flatness of the characters and stereotypical/expected behavior. However, I found myself more interested in continuing the book. I was really skeptical after reading some reviews, though I genuinely was more interested in this book. I could see where the writing style of the author improved in certain places. There were also moments that I completely didnt expect and fully shocked me. For example, I expected Derek’s betrayal because he was too obviously involved. But I didn’t expect Aurora and Neve’s separate plot. I didnt see it coming, like how I had for Derek and Kal. The character’s still struggled with lacking dimension, but I think they had more complex emotions and motives than in the first book. This made it much more intriguing to read. The ending became very fast paced and quite rushed, I’m not very satisfied with it. Overall, this book was still better (in my opinion) than the first of the series. I’m not sure that I would recommend them, but if you think this is something you would like, you should give it a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death and Bullying
Malice by Heather Walter
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. Before I get into the details, I will be reading the second because I’m interested enough to finish the series.
It had a bit of a slow start, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It gave me time to understand the characters and adjust to the writing style. I enjoyed the worldbuilding even if occasionally it seemed out of place. I will say the writing was not the best quality (in my opinion). However, the other aspects such as the plot and cast of characters pulled through for me.
The romance was one of the iffiest parts. I love love love the concept and I do like the love interests together. Though I felt that their relationship could’ve been developed more beyond conversations to move the plot forward. I’d kill for a nice domestic or just..simple banter between them. That could just me by taste in romance.
The end was definitely one of my favorite parts. I liked the build-up and plot twists. While I was suspicious of some things, the actual reveals were so good. I can see now the hints towards the truth, which is a nice feeling as a reader. Overall, the book was kinda mid compared to my expectations but it had its good parts.
It had a bit of a slow start, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It gave me time to understand the characters and adjust to the writing style. I enjoyed the worldbuilding even if occasionally it seemed out of place. I will say the writing was not the best quality (in my opinion). However, the other aspects such as the plot and cast of characters pulled through for me.
The romance was one of the iffiest parts. I love love love the concept and I do like the love interests together. Though I felt that their relationship could’ve been developed more beyond conversations to move the plot forward. I’d kill for a nice domestic or just..simple banter between them. That could just me by taste in romance.
The end was definitely one of my favorite parts. I liked the build-up and plot twists. While I was suspicious of some things, the actual reveals were so good. I can see now the hints towards the truth, which is a nice feeling as a reader. Overall, the book was kinda mid compared to my expectations but it had its good parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, and Classism
Minor: Suicide